[mc32]

I think you're projecting western values on Japan.

While we may see "dehumanization" they don't. Where you see a pornography fetish, they see it as an extension of their sexuality. For them it's progress. They have valued tradition and will continue to do so. It's not an ephemeral value they hold.

Germany found a different path. It does not necessarily mean it's the one true path.

And, long term, all societies will face the same issues. Some sooner, some much later --but face it they will.

[matt4077]

I'm pretty sure the need for social interactions with other people is somewhat central to being human, and not a trait of culture. That's why humans are often called "social animals".

The suicide rate in japan being 3x European levels also seems to point at something being amiss, although that may indeed be an artefact of culture.